
In a significant move, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) East has disbanded the special squad following suspicions of misconduct in the recovery of stolen goods. This decision came after crores of rupees were stolen from the Indian Overseas Bank in Chinhat, Lucknow, when 42 lockers were broken open by thieves. On Thursday, all 13 police personnel from the squad were called back to line duty, pending further investigation.
The investigation is now being led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) East, Pankaj Singh, who has begun questioning the involved officers. Notices have been issued to the policemen from the special squad to record their statements. As part of the inquiry, Inspector Satish, Constable Hitesh, and Constable Ajay, who had gone on leave shortly after the recovery, will also be questioned.
Suspicion of Stolen Gold by Police Officers
There are growing suspicions that some police officers may have been involved in stealing gold during the recovery process. Sources suggest that after the stolen goods were recovered from the miscreants, several policemen were found to have taken a share of the stolen gold worth lakhs of rupees. Among the 13 personnel who have been removed from the special squad are Inspector Satish Kumar, Constable Hitesh Singh, Constable Ajay Kumar, and several others. A constable had already been suspended the day before.
The suspended officers are: Inspector Satish Kumar, Ranjit Kumar, Anuj Singh, Head Constable Hari Kishor, Parshuram Rai, Constable Hitesh Singh, Rahul Pandey, Vishal Kumar, Sachin Tomar, Vimal Chandra Pal, Ajay Kumar, and female constable Shilpi Pandey.
The police will also be questioning the arrested criminals to determine how much jewelry was recovered and whether any gold was stolen by the officers involved.
Investigation Moves Forward
The investigation into the stolen gold is ongoing, with the police planning to interrogate Vipin, the alleged mastermind of the crime, who is currently in Ghazipur jail. According to the police, the SWAT team had been operating in the area for a long time, and complaints had surfaced about their conduct. In the public interest, the SWAT team and surveillance cell have been disbanded, and the officers have been reassigned.
DCP East Shashank Singh confirmed that action would be taken based on the investigation’s findings. He stated that the case of stolen gold was not in his knowledge, but further measures would be adopted once the investigation report is submitted.
The Role of the SWAT Team in the Heist
The case unfolded after the 42 lockers were broken open at the Indian Overseas Bank in Chinhat, and a significant amount of gold was stolen. Four officers from the disbanded SWAT team – Inspector Satish Kumar, Constables Ajay Kumar, Manoj Kumar Singh, and Hitesh Singh – were reportedly involved in a raid in Ghazipur, where they recovered seven bags of jewelry from the miscreants. Meanwhile, Ghazipur police had also recovered two bags of jewelry.
Upon returning to Lucknow, three of the officers, including Inspector Satish, Constable Hitesh, and Constable Ajay, went on leave immediately after the recovery. These actions raised further questions about the involvement of police personnel in the theft.
The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are committed to uncovering the truth behind the stolen goods and the possible involvement of law enforcement officers in the crime.